MAN WHO SEXUALLY ASSAULTED SEVERAL WOMEN AND THREATENED A MAN WITH A GUN IS JAILED
A repeat offender responsible for physical and sexual assaults against several women, as well as armed threats and inappropriate sexual communications with a minor, has been sentenced to prison.Lewis Gleave appeared before Chester Crown Court on September 5th, where he received a four-year custodial sentence plus an additional three years on prison licence, relating to three separate investigations.
The sentence followed his guilty pleas to multiple charges: three counts of assault by beating, two counts of sexual assault, possession of an imitation firearm with intent, possessing an imitation firearm while committing a Schedule One offence, and causing actual bodily harm.
He was also convicted of two counts of sexual assault and engaging in sexual communication with a minor in earlier proceedings.
The first incident happened on Monday, August 12, 2024, in Sandbach Park, where Gleave, present with four others, made inappropriate sexual comments to a 17-year-old girl.
His behaviour worsened when he attempted to hug her without consent and slapped her bottom.
An older male, present in the group, confronted him, prompting Gleave to kick the man and punch him, accusing him of making up the inappropriate contact.
Later that week, on August 17th, Gleave approached the same group at the park again, unexpectedly.
He slapped the same girl’s bottom and forcibly pushed her head toward his crotch while she sat on a bench, without her consent.
He also physically challenged the 19-year-old male, kicking him to the ground and demanding a fight, which he declined.
Gleave subsequently left the scene but was arrested shortly afterward after being reported to police.
On September 1st, Gleave communicated with a 13-year-old girl through Snapchat and FaceTime, where he asked her sexually explicit questions and described sexual acts.
An adult overheard some of the conversation.
In police interviews, he acknowledged knowing the girl but denied the dialogue being sexual.
On September 27th, Gleave approached a 27-year-old near Crewe’s Victoria Centre, demanding information about threats made to a friend.
During the encounter, he carried what appeared to be a gun in a holster beneath his jacket; it was later confirmed to be a BB gun.
CCTV footage identified him through a neck tattoo.
A few days later, staff at a supported accommodation in Crewe reported Gleave had entered and assaulted a 17-year-old girl and an 18-year-old woman physically and sexually.
He dragged one victim across a room and strangled the other until their respective partners intervened.
Gleave was arrested and denied any involvement until admitting guilt during court proceedings.
In addition to his prison sentence, he was subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, five restraining orders, and a requirement to register as a sex offender.
